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OSHA Inaugura Nuevo Sitio de Internet para Empleadores y Trabajadores Hispanohablantes

Feb. 28, 2002

Roughly translated, that means: "OSHA Unveils new Web Page for Spanish-Speaking Employers and Workers," one which the agency hopes will improve safety for millions of workers.

EHS Today Staff

Roughly translated, that means: "OSHA Unveils new Web Page for Spanish-Speaking Employers and Workers."

Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao hopes a new Spanish Web page will help the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reach out to non-English speaking employers and workers.

The announcement of the Web page came just two weeks before Chao is expected to participate in a hearing on immigrant and low-wage worker safety and health held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chaired by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA). Members of the committee are concerned about the escalating rates of injuries and fatalities among immigrant workers.

"Job safety and health depends on employees and employers knowing what they must do to ensure workplace protections," said Chao. "That starts with understanding vital, basic information about preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Through our new Spanish page, millions more employers and workers in this country will have access to information they can use to make their workplaces safer."

The Web page, which can be found by going to the OSHA homepage at www.osha.gov, initially focuses on several areas: an overview of OSHA and its mission; how to file complaints electronically in Spanish; worker and employer rights and responsibilities; and a list of resources for employers and workers. The new page features highlights from OSHA''s Web site and offers one-stop service for Spanish-speaking employers and employees. Additional information will be added in months to come.

"One of our top priorities is expanded outreach and education," Chao said. "More than 10 million Americans speak little or no English, and one in five Americans does not speak English at home. Too many of these workers, especially Spanish-speaking workers, have experienced on-the-job injuries, illnesses and fatalities."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate for Hispanic employees climbed by more than 11 percent in 2000, while deaths for all other groups declined.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.